When I think of places to travel and things I want to see -- I don't know that Alabama ever came to mind. I chuckle when I think of Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama as she tells her friends in NYC that she can't meet them because she's in "Alabama" -- said with a sarcastic, disgusted tone. Side note: if you haven't seen the movie, you should! It's a great chick flick!
However, I am excited to go to Birmingham, Alabama. Lincoln and I will be spending one month at Children's of Alabama for Constraint Induced Movement Therapy in February 2017. My husband and I have spent hours reading, researching, and learning the past 3 years and are always trying to give Lincoln the opportunities in life he deserves. We both have looked into the program in Alabama in the past but set the idea aside due to life being busy or the timing not being right. Now we are making the appointment a reality, and I am so excited! Working at Mayo Clinic I believe in top quality care, innovation and being the best of the best. The program at Children's of Alabama is known for being just that!
What Is CIMT?
CIMT stands for Constraint Induced Movement Therapy. A number of treatments are given to teach the brain to "rewire" itself following a major injury such as a stroke or head injury. The research completed by Edward Taub, PHD and the University of Alabama at Birmingham showed that patients can "learn" to improve the ability to move the weaker parts of their bodies. Allowing them to use both sides of the extremities and not only rely on the stronger extremity. It is the only rehabilitation technique shown to produce a noticeable change in brain organization and function. In simple terms, we are hoping that Lincoln will be able to use both hands/arms together to make everyday things easier for him.
How Does It Work?
Lincoln will work with an occupational therapist for 3-4 hours per day x 3 weeks. His stronger arm (left arm) will be completely restrained using a cast extending from the upper shoulder down to the fingertips. The weaker arm (right arm) is then trained using play situations appropriate to the child's stage of development. Lincoln will be 3 years of age when he does this. At age 1, we completed a shorter version of CIMT at Gillette Children's in Minnesota and saw results. Of course like anything in life, therapy and progress does not end when we leave Alabama. As his mom, I am fully prepared to continue my role with therapy, and know that it will take endless dedication and practice at home as well.
Why Put Him Through It?
I never dreamt of being a therapy mom when I thought about having a child. I never even thought about the possibility my child would need it. Some days I want to cancel all of our appointments and let him play how he wants, and just be a kid. Then I remember that everything I am doing is for his well being and future. I watch him play and work hard in therapy and for now can see that he doesn't know the difference. If this can help him stay healthy and be stronger, then I will dedicate my time to his well being just as I take time everyday for myself to do things that better me such as the gym, eating healthy, etc.
How Have I Changed From CIMT The First Time?
Emotionally I am a stronger person and in a better place. I have accepted the diagnosis and am Lincoln's biggest advocate. At one year of age, people constantly asked me how he broke his arm (because he was casted) and the looks I received while they asked often made me feel like an awful mother, even though I knew I wasn't. I truly did not know how to handle the judgment. I have been judged before myself, but when it involves your child, it is a completely different feeling. This time around I am excited for us. I am sharing with others so they can understand more about pediatric strokes and understand therapy. I believe the world needs more optimism and awareness on many issues and I happen to be passionate about this one! Have a question?? Please feel free to comment below and I am more than happy to answer.
Fun Things To Do In Birmingham
Having spent a lot of time traveling with Lincoln since he was small, one thing I try to do as a mom is make the most of our trips. We love visiting zoos, science centers, the children's museum, parks, take walks and simply explore. We have already started a list of adventures that we will tackle on the weekends and days he isn't too tired from therapy. I want Lincoln to see the world through his own eyes. Yes I realize he is 3, but therapy is A LOT of HARD work, and he deserves to have fun too!